8. Fast Leader
In the fall of 1980, Atmananda spoke with the Stony Brook disciples, who were still in New York, "on an inner level." He also spoke with them on the phone. He told them that Chinmoy was directing a "special force" toward our new, million-dollar Centre in La Jolla. He told them about our now legendary recruitment drive. He told them about our feasts.
These disciples missed Atmananda. They missed his advice, friendship, and love. They missed his extended family. They missed him coaxing, "Eat, eat."
When Sal moved west, he joined the disciples who ate each week at a Mexican restaurant with Atmananda. One time Atmananda declared, "I wonder where The Gwid has been hiding these days."
Sal said, "You would not believe how many people have asked me that very question."
"You swine!" cried Atmananda. "All along you've been hiding him in... your nose!"
"How can you tell?"
"Hah—so you doubt my ability to see!"
A few minutes later, the waiter arrived. I ordered a quesadilla and a chile relleno.
"C'mon kid," said Atmananda, "where's your capacity?"